What is toxicology?

Toxicology also called the science of poisons, is a branch of science, medicine, and biology that studies adverse effects that occur in living organisms and the environment due to chemicals, substances (including environmental agents and chemical compounds found in nature, as well as pharmaceutical compounds that are synthesized for medical use by humans. These substances may produce toxic effects in living organisms, which can include, but are not limited to, disturbances in growth patterns, discomfort, disease, and even death), and situations. The job of scientists and researchers working in this sphere is to find patterns by which substances exert toxicity, detect the presence of these substances in various sample types, and treat biological organisms that have been exposed to certain toxicants. 

The methods of toxicology.

There are several methods that toxicologists use to study the effects of chemicals on living organisms. One method is to expose animals to the chemical and observe the effects that it has on their health. Another method is to study the chemical structure of the compound and its interaction with biological molecules. This can help to identify the mechanisms by which the compound produces its toxicity.

In vitro studies are also used to study the effects of chemicals on living cells. These studies can help to identify the mechanisms of toxicity at the cellular level. Toxicologists also use epidemiological studies to examine the effects of chemicals on human populations. These studies can help to identify the health effects of chemicals that are present in the environment.

The methods of toxicology are constantly evolving as new technologies are developed. This allows toxicologists to study the effects of chemicals with ever-increasing accuracy and precision.

The major branches of toxicology.

Clinical toxicology – a subspeciality of toxicology that deals with the treatment of patients that have been exposed to toxic substances that have poisonous effects on their organisms. It is a discipline that is working with diseases and illnesses associated with short-term or long-term types of exposure to toxic chemicals.

Forensic toxicology – the branch that applies toxicology and disciplines such as clinical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmacology to the field of law and criminalistics. The primary concern of forensic toxicology is to determine the presence of substances such as drugs, alcohol, or poison to establish whether they contributed to the person’s death. Toxicological analysis can be done by using many various kinds of samples. The most common sample types used by forensic toxicologists are blood, urine, and hair, as these can be easily collected in a non-invasive manner and provide a good amount of information.

Regulatory toxicology – a field of toxicology that helps to formulate regulations and put them into use. The regulations can be used for health protection against the harmful effects of chemical substances. It deals with information about health hazards and potential risks associated with exposure to dangerous agents or substances like chemicals or radiation.